UPDATE: Mark Wahlberg’s highly anticipated action comedy, Play Dirty, has just launched on Amazon Prime Video today, captivating audiences worldwide. This film, based on the Parker series by Donald E. Westlake, offers a thrilling blend of heist antics and dark humor, directed by the renowned Shane Black.
In Play Dirty, Wahlberg plays Parker, a cunning thief seeking revenge after being double-crossed by his partner Zen, portrayed by Rosa Salazar. He teams up with his friend Grofield, played by LaKeith Stanfield, leading to wild escapades involving a treasure hunt, a South American dictator, and the New York City mob.
What’s surprising? Despite the film’s setting indicating a backdrop of New York City, much of Play Dirty was filmed in Sydney, Australia. This decision, driven by significant tax incentives from local governments, allowed the production team to recreate the East Coast atmosphere in the southern hemisphere.
Producer James Skotchdopole revealed the extensive effort that went into the production: “Everybody had to do their homework to build New York in Sydney,” he stated in an interview. The meticulous planning involved custom-built sets to ensure authenticity, even as filming took place during Australia’s summer, contrasting sharply with the winter scenes set in the film.
The film features a high-octane opening chase sequence at the real-life Bankstown Paceway in Sydney, showcasing the innovative use of technology, including Unreal Engine, to create the desired cinematic effects. “We had to completely shut down the streets and change out all the picture vehicles to ones with left-hand drives,” Skotchdopole explained, highlighting the challenges faced by the crew.
As viewers dive into the chaotic world of Parker, they will also see creatively crafted locations, such as a log cabin where a pivotal betrayal occurs and a decorated “Candy Cane Lane” for an intense chase scene. Production designer Owen Paterson noted, “We have great crews in Australia, and we pulled out all the stops.”
The tax incentives from Create New South Wales and Ausfilm played a crucial role in the decision to film in Australia, with Skotchdopole affirming that these supports are vital for future projects: “The incentives are something that the producers can rely on.”
With the film now available for streaming, audiences are eager to see how Wahlberg navigates the chaos and challenges presented in Play Dirty. The film’s unique filming locations and production efforts add an intriguing layer to the viewing experience, making it a must-watch for action-comedy fans.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling ride! Catch Play Dirty streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. Share your thoughts and experiences about the film as it takes viewers on an unexpected journey from Sydney to the streets of New York!